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More than what you know – Reconciliation Part 4

Last week I wrote about cultural appropriation. I hope you were able to notice and discover some of the ways we do that with Indigenous cultures.

This week is about knowledge, exposure and awareness.

Most of the items on the 150 ways list are about information and learning. They include recommendations to listen to an Indigenous podcast or read an autobiography by an Indigenous person. CBC radio has a few shows as well. Another suggestion is to look for the Indigenous section in your local library.

Laptop keyboard, with glasses and earbuds on it.

Didn’t know these things existed? Well, that’s part of the problem, isn’t it?

We all walk around in our own small orbit – the realities of our lives, our concerns, the things that impact us. And as a result, unless we surround ourselves with people who are different (which, mostly, as human beings we do not) we are not exposed to different realities, concerns and impacts.

Being part of the human family means seeking these things out, finding out, asking questions, seeing more than what we see because we know it, it’s ours, or it matters to us. Cultural Humility is a great recent term that reminds us that we don’t know everything about everyone, and can’t know. And that we need to be humble as we approach each other so we can be open and learn. (Check out this documentary about Cultural Humility by Vivian Chavez )

So here are a few suggestions of ways to expand your circle of awareness to include some Indigenous realities, concerns, worldviews. I’m certain there are many more, so I look forward to seeing your suggestions in the comments section!

Radio Shows

Unreserved: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved
From their website: “Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous community, culture, and conversation. Host Rosanna Deerchild takes you straight into Indigenous Canada, from Halifax to Haida Gwaii, from Shamattawa to Ottawa, introducing listeners to the storytellers, culture makers and community shakers from across the country. The Unreserved team offers real talk from the people behind the headlines, with a soundtrack from the best in Indigenous music.” Host: Rosanna Deerchild

ReVision Quest: http://www.cbc.ca/revisionquest/about/
From their website: “ReVision Quest mixes personal storytelling, current affairs interviews and comedy to explore issues affecting Native peoples today, kicking some ass-umptions about Aboriginal life along the way. It’s a show about the First Nations experience, created by all First Nations producers.” Host: Darrell Dennis